Performing Arts 

KS3 Overview

The KS3 curriculum is focused on introducing students to the foundations of Performing Arts ( Dance/Drama and Music)  through exciting themed units of work students will learn the basic building blocks of dance, drama and music  and develop an insightful knowledge for the art form that will guide them through to KS4 BTEC Performing Arts. Students will learn to work together within a creative setting in order to understand the basic rules for working in performing arts, leading towards performances as a culmination of learning for each unit of work. 

As the KS3 curriculum develops, the students will begin to work with more complex work, focusing on their own devised pieces. Students will be introduced to using various relationships, techniques, in order to allow their work to become more complex and interesting for the audience. Students will be taught how to appreciate professional works, and understand how to demonstrate this knowledge through both written and practical work.

Performing Arts at KS3 focuses on three main elements; performance, composition and appreciation. Students work collaboratively in order to develop team building skills and communication, leading to working together to create material and encouraging confidence and mutual respect amongst one another.

NEW this academic year we see the introduction of  music which is a unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It forms part of an individual’s identity and positive interaction with music Music also brings together intellect and feeling and enables personal expression, reflection and emotional development. As an integral part of culture, past and present, music helps pupils understand themselves, relate to others and develop their cultural understanding, forging important links between home, school and the wider world. 


How will the KS3 curriculum prepare my child for life in modern Britain?

Pupils develop attributes such as communication, determination and commitment for success in the Performing Arts Industry. These attributes are valuable in the wider community in order to develop and enhance general life skills and morals and values. 


KS4  BTEC Tech Award in PERFORMING ARTS

General information about this course

This vocational course, which is a mixture of practical performance, live theatre and written portfolio work, will help you to develop a number of skills, including self-confidence, the ability to cooperate with others and also the ability to think on your feet in many different situations.

Why should you choose this course?

BTEC First Performing Arts is also useful in developing a number of social skills that will be invaluable to you in later life. You will learn all the practical techniques necessary to create performance work of a high standard.

Component 1: Exploring the performing arts

Students will develop their understanding of the performing arts by examining the work of performing arts professionals and the processes used to create performance. In this component students will develop a practical understanding of how performing arts work is created, look at elements such as roles, responsibilities and the application of relevant skills and techniques and explore practically the work of different professionals to develop an appreciation of the methods they use to explore a theme and communicate to audiences through their work.

The assignment for this component consists of two tasks.

 ● In response to Task 1, students will investigate an example of professional performing arts work, covering stylistic qualities, features, intentions and purpose of the work. Learners will also cover the skills and responsibilities required and the influences of other work.

 ● In response to Task 2, students will actively explore the techniques, processes and approaches used in the creation of professional work from Task 1. 

The assignment will take approximately 12 supervised hours to complete. The assignments will be marked internally and moderated by the Exam board.


Component 2: Developing Skills and Techniques in the Performing Arts

Students will develop their performing arts skills and techniques through the reproduction of acting, dance and/or musical theatre repertoire as performers. Students will develop performing skills and techniques; have the opportunity to specialise as a performer in one or more of the following disciplines: acting, dance, musical theatre. They will take part in workshops and classes where they will develop technical, practical and interpretative skills through the rehearsal and performance process. 

The assignment for this component consists of three tasks.

 ● In response to Task 1 students will prepare for a performance or pitch/presentation of designs of/for existing repertoire.

 ● In response to Task 2, students will showcase performance or production designs for an audience.

 ● In response to Task 3,students will review the development and application of skills and techniques during the process and after. 

The assignment will take approximately 5-6 supervised hours to complete.The assignments will be marked internally and moderated by the Exam board.

Component 3: Performing to a Brief

Students will be given the opportunity to work as part of a group to contribute to a workshop performance as either a performer or a designer in response to a brief and stimulus.

This external component builds on knowledge, understanding and skills acquired and developed in Components 1 and 2 and includes synoptic assessment.Students will apply their skills and techniques creatively to a workshop performance for a selected audience. They will capture their ideas on planning, development and effectiveness of the production process in a written log and an evaluation report. The  task is worth 60 marks will be completed under supervised conditions

What further career options and pathways are available to you after this course?

BTEC Tech Award Performing Arts is particularly useful for anyone interested in careers which involve skills such as self-confidence, teamwork, listening, co-operation, self-discipline, negotiation, problem solving, decision making and communication – almost every career requires some or all of these skills! Students who are particularly keen on pursuing a career in the performing arts may choose to study Drama and Theatre Studies or Performance Studies at AS, A Level or similar. BTEC First Performing Arts is a course for anyone who is looking to challenge themselves. It is a demanding and rewarding course requiring a high level of commitment and enthusiasm.


Enrichment

Performing Arts enrichment offers an opportunity for those that do not take a performance subject to get involved particularly in music, and for those that do to deepen and extend their skills and experiences. We offer a number of options to choose from including:

‘Dance is a creative activity that uses the kinaesthetic mode (bodily movement) with imagination in its creating, performing and watching. It complements other forms of intelligence and provides a vehicle for young people to physically express and communicate their ideas, identity and culture, and their understanding about themselves, others and the society in which they live.’